Current

I study the regulation of a gene called RGMc (also called Hemojuvelin (HJV) in humans). RGMc/HJV plays a critical role in iron metabolism, as inactivating mutations cause juvenile hemochromatosis, a severe iron overload disorder.

The long-range goals of my research are to enhance understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which evolution has shaped the regulation of gene expression in a family of genes, and apply this knowledge to understand select human diseases.

The primary focus of my research is three-fold:

(1) to understand the genomic structure of the Repulsive Guidance Molecule (RGM) family,

(2) to understand the mechanisms of transcriptional regulation of RGMc,

(3) to understand the basics of the molecular evolution of the RGM family.

"Mini Med-School" lecture by Robert H. Lustig, MD, UCSF Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Endocrinology, explores the damage caused by sugary foods. He argues that (too much) fructose and (not enough) fiber appear to be cornerstones of the obesity epidemic through their effects on insulin. Series: UCSF Mini Medical School for the Public (7/2009; Health and Medicine, Show ID: 16717)

Learn about RNAi and gene regulation, with "a petunia, Pirate Ships, little Chefs, and 'the Cop'." (Intrigued? Click on the link and watch the video)

The Powers of 10 expolores the range of sizes in our world, and our perspective in it. “We find that we inhabit an insignificant planet of a hum-drum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe in which there are far more galaxies than people.” -Carl Sagan